Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Camry quietly debuted late in the 1983 model year, when Toyota replaced its old rear-wheel-drive Corona with the front-wheel-drive Camry, a car aimed specifically at the U.S. market. From these humble beginnings, the Camry would go on to dominate the midsize family sedan segment for virtually all of the next quarter-century, as consumers immediately embraced it for its high build quality, comfortable ride and impressive durability.

New or used, the Camry comes pretty highly recommended. As the Camry sells in such high numbers, finding one that matches your criteria should be pretty easy. It is worth noting that the family segment has improved greatly in more recent years. Many competing sedans have matched or outpaced the Camry in terms of quality and desirability, particularly in comparison to the sixth-generation model. The latest version of the Camry, however, has largely shored up the car's reputation as a go-to choice.

Current Toyota Camry
The five-passenger Toyota Camry is offered in L, LE, SE, SE Sport and XLE trim levels with a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, while the available (depending on trim) 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 hp and 248 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and sends power to the front wheels.

The Camry L's feature highlights include air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB interface. Stepping up to the LE gets you a few more features, while the SE spices things up with a sport-tuned suspension and sporty styling treatments. The SE Sport features bigger wheels, a sunroof and a power driver seat. The luxurious XLE reverts to a softer suspension and adds a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and leather upholstery (V6). A premium audio system with a larger touchscreen and upgraded navigation system can be added to XLE models.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry's standard equipment was revised. As such, the rearview camera became standard across the board, the upper trims picked up some enhanced audio features and the Entune name was expanded to cover all of the car's infotainment systems (not just the one with smartphone integration).

In reviews, we've praised this Toyota Camry's interior, which provides roomy seating, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

Overall, this Camry provides the comfort and the quiet and smooth ride that should please a wide swath of midsize sedan shoppers. Power and fuel economy are excellent with either engine as well. The only major downside is the car's handling, which isn't as lively or engaging as that of other top family sedans, such as the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima.

Used Toyota Camry Models
The latest (seventh) generation Toyota Camry debuted for 2012 and has a number of significant improvements over the previous one. The interior is significantly nicer than before, and the four-cylinder engine is more powerful. Yet the car is still unmistakably a Camry, with a focus on pragmatic appeal and convenience. Changes since have been minimal. For 2014, the SE Sport trim level joined the lineup, while halfway through that model year saw some minor equipment shuffling that included the rearview camera becoming standard across the board.

The previous sixth-generation Camry was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. In reviews, we commented favorably about the Camry's spacious cabin, powerful and fuel-efficient optional V6, plush ride quality and top crash test scores. Unlike older Camrys, though, this one was let down by disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish and uninspiring driving dynamics for non-SE models. It's a respectable choice for a used family sedan, but we thought more highly of competing models, such as the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

For most of its production run, the Camry was offered in LE, SE and XLE trim levels. The entry-level model was labeled as the CE trim, but only for the first year. Base and LE models came fairly well equipped, while the SE brought with it a sport-tuned suspension. The softer-sprung XLE included items such as a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power passenger seat, reclining rear seats and leather upholstery (V6). Most of the features on the higher-trimmed models were offered on supporting trims as options. Other major options included a sunroof and a navigation system.

This Camry was offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine, with improvements made over the years. The initial base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 158 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque (slightly lower in California and other states). A five-speed manual or five-speed automatic was available, though four-cylinder XLEs were automatic only. The 3.5-liter V6 produced 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and was paired to a six-speed automatic only.

In 2010, the base engine was increased to 2.5 liters and power output was boosted to 169 hp. The SE was further pushed to 179 hp. Both manual and automatic transmissions were also upgraded to six speeds. Other 2010 changes included a restyled grille and taillights, and standard stability control, satellite radio and Bluetooth for all models.

Previous to this was the fifth-generation car that was produced from 2002-'06. As expected, it was a comfortable sedan that offered a roomy cabin, a choice of inline-4 or V6 power and, depending on trim level and optional equipment, most of the latest safety features such as stability control and side curtain airbags. However, prior to 2005, the base Camry did not come standard with antilock brakes. As with other Camrys, we generally found this generation to be very good in terms of room, comfort and feature content.

Three engines were available for this generation. The first was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that made 154 hp (145 with PZEV emissions controls). It was mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission (four-speed prior to '05) and should be powerful enough for the majority of buyers. A 3.0-liter V6 that generated 190 hp was also available (18 hp less prior to '04) on the LE and XLE trim levels, while a 210-hp, 3.3-liter V6 (introduced for 2004) was available on the SE model only. These six-cylinder Camrys came with the automatic only. In previous years, these power numbers were higher because of a change in measurement that occurred in 2006, although actual output never changed.

Like the more recent versions, the 1997-2001 Toyota Camry sedan offered a quiet, stress-free driving experience. Many desirable modern features were also available, including side airbags and antilock brakes (which became standard on all trim levels except the base CE). It, too, was offered with four- and six-cylinder powertrains.

Although a Camry older than 1997 is likely to have quite a few miles on it, it is still something to consider for folks on a tight budget. Provided it has been faithfully maintained, a 1992-'96 Camry (which was available in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles) should be able to spin its odometer to nearly 200,000 miles without major problems. It's this final trait, more than any other, that has kept the Toyota Camry popular with buyers over the last two decades.

User Reviews:

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  Camry is just a Great Car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By eddie_k - August 14 - 12:20 am

  I had the 05 Base Camry with a manual trans and got 240K from it. The new version still has everything I need as a big-time highway commuter. Comfort, quiet, power, reliable, good mpg. I drive in the Mts. so prefer the manual trans and its hard to find a stick in a mid-sized quiet sedan like the Camry. This car is seen everywhere of course but thats why you want it - everyone knows how to fix it and parts always available. Base model still has a couple quirks - no keyless entry and only one power plug.

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  Wait till 2008 at least - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Troyan - August 10 - 8:53 am

  Loved the car but two transmissions failed within 19000 miles before I got rid of the car. The transmission design has major problems and so did the replacement. The problem is not addressed. My dealer told me the new transmissions were on back order and couldnt even give me an ETA. That itself says a lot.

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  Love My Toy - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By MomsTOY - August 10 - 2:00 am

  We have had 1998, 2001 and now the 2004. The best ones are the ones still built in Japan. The quality is better. Both our 98 and 2004, were built and imported from Japan, and they are far superior to the 2001, which was manufactured in Fremont, California. The entire car is better, the ride, the interior.

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  Our 5th Camry!!! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JG - August 10 - 1:22 am

  Toyota is up to their same old Marketing Story. They give it and they take it away. 2016 Is the only XLE Camry that I owed that is not equipped with Fog Lights( a safety issue), JBL sound system, Manual Rear Window Shade, Homelink. But it now comes with heated leather trimmed interior. It also has a nicer interior, but would also be nicer if it had more wood accents. The LED DRL are nice, but so were the DRL Tail lights on my 2011, now gone! Also the Cargo Net that was standard now is a add on as an accessory. Plus they use to give you a Leathette Folder to to your Manuals in that gone too.

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  Superbly dependable and comfortable car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By tosh - August 9 - 10:46 pm

  This Camry is a second V6 XLE I own. Both have been manufactured in Japan. I have never had any repair other than minor scratches and regular maintenance. I use the dealership for service as I found that Toyota service is about the same as others.Because I no longer commute to work, I have a low mileage but it is so comfortable to drive on long trips. It has a great pick up at every traffic light and I have to watch my speed at all times. It is a different kind of "fun to drive" from RX7 I used to drive, but I feel quite secure in this car. Cargo space is sufficient. I will keep it for a while as at present I have only 55000 miles on it.

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  Toyota Camry 2007 LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By colt149 - August 9 - 10:34 pm

  I bought this car 2007 Toyota Camry LE 4cylinder last Nov,2006. The car has a mileage of 45,000 . Unfortunately the water pump leaked and the drive belt tensioner needs a replacement. I went to my dealership and I was informed that my car pass the 5 years warranty. I bought the parts at parkway toyota: water pump:$175.00 drive belt tensioner assembly $387.00 + the labor of my mechanic. OEM of toyota is made by AISIN , the drive belt tensioner is Made in Canda by Litens. Todays Toyota car is not the same durability as the previous model. In the near future Iam better off purchasing Nissan or Honda car

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  Roomy ride. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Becka White - August 9 - 10:02 pm

  My husband is 67" and to find a car that he is comfortable in and still have room for someone to sit behind him and still have room to move around. The only thing I am unsatisfied with is the road noise.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By redhatgranny - August 9 - 9:56 pm

  Enjoy driving my Camry around town and on the highway. Bought the car new in 2002 and purchased the extra warranty which I have not had to use. Like the electric seats and lumbar support which can be adjusted during long trips. Gas mileage corresponds to suggested average 25/30. Replaced the tires with 80,000 mile warrantied so Im set to drive for 100,000 miles.

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  Jack of Most Trades; Perfect Cruiser - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By nicoszlu - August 8 - 1:15 am

  My first car was a new bare bones Civic. It set the standard for what I expect from a new car. Fast forward to 2014 and I chose the Camry SE V6 as it checked all the boxes for a larger, comfortable, more powerful car A master of most trades, Camry is for the most part a no brainer but in less than a year I have found a few things that make me question Toyotas quality. The Camry is the perfect interstate cruiser and an overall good value checking all the boxes at the expense of a few shortcuts in build quality. If you want a spacious 4 door, efficient & quick ride with a sporty flair in your daily driver,the Camry is a great option and easily matches the V6 Accord in that quest.

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  Unusual repairs - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By TED - August 6 - 9:43 am

  The 2004 Camry, that I purchased new, needed the brakes repaired @ my 3 day check up. I am now getting the throttle body replaced for the 3rd time ($1400.-). I also replaced an Oxygen sensor. I drove my last vehicle, a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix 140,000 with the original throttle body & Oxygen sensor. I thought I was buying the reliable/dependable vehicle they advertise. I got a clunker!